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CDE libDtHelp LOGNAME Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.25.04
http://www.idefense.com/application/...ulnerabilities
August 25, 2004
I. BACKGROUND
The libDtHelp library is a core component of the Common Desktop
Environment (CDE). It provides the help subsystem used by most CDE
applications.
II. DESCRIPTION
Exploitation of a buffer overflow in the libDtHelp library included with
CDE can allow local attackers to gain root privileges.
The vulnerability specifically exists due to a lack of bounds checking
on the LOGNAME environment variable. Local attackers can specify a long
LOGNAME to trigger a buffer overflow in any application linked with
libDtHelp. The overflow is activated once the help subsystem is accessed
by selecting any option under the Help menu.
This vulnerability occurs in the same sequence of code as the previously
disclosed DTSEARCHPATH and DTUSERSEARCHPATH vulnerabilities, described
in CAN-2003-0834. However, the LOGNAME environment variable was not
reported as a method of attack in related advisories.
US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#575804, detailing the original attack
vectors is available at:
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/575804
III. ANALYSIS
Successful exploitation leads to root level access. CDE is a widely
deployed default desktop environment for UNIX operating systems.
Depending on the function of the machine, this vulnerability could lead
to exposure of highly sensitive data. The vulnerability is easily
exploitable even when stack protections are enabled, furthering the
impact of exposure.
IV. DETECTION
iDEFENSE has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in Solaris 8
and Solaris 9 without the patches provided for in Sun Alert 57414.
Hewlett Packard HP-UX, Silicon Graphics, Inc. Irix and SCO Unixware are
also reportedly vulnerable.
V. WORKAROUND
If possible, remove the setuid bit from all applications linked to
libDtHelp. The command 'ldd' will display libraries linked with the
specified executable.
VI. VENDOR RESPONSE
Sun successfully addressed this issue with the patches described in Sun
Alert 57414. Specific vendor advisories addressing CAN-2003-0834 are
available in US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#575804
(http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/575804).
It is believed that other
vendor patches for CAN-2003-0834 will protect against this new attack
vector.
VII. CVE INFORMATION
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2003-0834 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org),
which standardizes names for
security problems.
VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
03/04/2004 Initial vendor contact
(Opengroup.org)
03/04/2004 iDEFENSE clients notified
03/31/2004 Initial vendor response
(Opengroup.org - further coordination requested)
04/19/2004 Initial vendor contact
(Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun Microsystems)
04/19/2004 Initial vendor response (Sun Microsystems)
04/20/2004 Initial vendor response (Hewlett-Packard)
08/25/2004 Public disclosure
IX. CREDIT
iDEFENSE Labs is credited with discovering this vulnerability.
Get paid for vulnerability research
http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp
X. LEGAL NOTICES
Copyright (c) 2004 iDEFENSE, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
email customerservice@idefense.com for permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an as is condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.
_______________________________________________
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